The phrase ‘rollercoaster ride’ is barely sufficient to describe the events of the past seven weeks. The apparent surge in support following the first Leaders debate, the euphoria of genuine three-party politics, followed by the disappointment of election night itself was the cause of enough emotional turmoil, but the subsequent negotiations and the entry of our Party into government for the first time since 1945 had its share of heart-stopping moments too.
It was, I felt, essential that, even though the criteria for going into coalition had been met by overwhelmingly supportive votes by the Parliamentary Party in the Commons and the Federal Executive, members and activists were given a chance to have their voices heard, and I was proud of the way in which so many of you came to Birmingham, heard the arguments and reached your conclusion. It was an emotional affair, but the fact that you were able to give your wholehearted support to the decision to form a coalition spoke volumes about our maturity as a political party. Indeed, our openness and inclusivity impressed Conservative Party activists, many of whom feel that they would have liked to have had an opportunity to voice their support or concerns over the coalition agreement.
So, here we are, in power. However, there are challenges beyond those of running the country with our coalition partners, massive though they are, and it is clear that the way that the Party deals with those challenges will be key to sustaining ourselves as an independent campaigning force in British politics.
Firstly, it will be vital that our policy-making continues as a means of bringing fresh ideas into government, that the creativity and original thinking of our members can be expressed. Sometimes, that will have the potential to create tensions within the coalition, but without new ideas and fresh thinking, we run the risk of becoming an adjunct to our Parliamentary Party. We may have to consider how that policy comes forward, but I am keen to give voice to ordinary members and activists as a means of keeping us at the vanguard of change in our country.
On the same theme, I am anxious that our Federal and Regional Conferences retain that inclusive quality that makes them different to those of the Conservative and Labour Parties. The idea that they should become rallies designed to provide a platform for a series of keynote speakers without an opportunity for genuine dialogue between our leadership and our members doesn’t appeal to me, and I don’t think it appeals to you either.
There will need to be a complete review of how the Party works, given the change in our circumstances. Under the leadership of our newly confirmed permanent Chief Executive, Chris Fox, and myself, we will be looking at how Cowley Street works, what tasks are essential for our future success, and how they can best be delivered.
And whilst all of this is going on, preparations for elections to Holyrood and Cardiff and the round of local government elections in 2011 will need to be made. How we campaign effectively whilst part of a coalition will present new challenges and opportunities, and I am sure that Hilary Stephenson and our campaigns staff across the country will be turning their thoughts to that once the review of this year’s campaign is complete.
I will do my utmost during the remainder of this term in office to ensure that you, our members and supporters, and your views are represented to our leaders in Parliament and elsewhere. The Liberal Democrats are proud of their tradition as a truly democratic party and, as your President, it is my proud duty to ensure that this tradition is upheld.
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